§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked what period of time is expected to elapse after the end of this financial year before the completion of the present contract works at Rosyth; what is the total estimated amount remaining to be expended during that period; and what is the amount estimated to be expended during the current year?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe period allowed for the completion of the present contract at Rosyth expires five and a quarter years after the end of the current financial year. Under the terms of the contract, a substantial bonus is offered for earlier completion. In view of this inducement there is reason to hope that the work will be finished in less than contract time. It is, however, too early to make any reliable forecast of the time that may be saved. The estimated amount remaining to be expended on the contract during that period is about £1,687,000, apart from the value of bonuses that may be earned. The amount estimated to be expended during the current financial year is £250,000.
§ Mr. GEORGE YOUNGERCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any delay was caused by the fire?
§ Mr. McKENNAAn additional month has been allowed in consequence to the contractors.